Margot Robbie Went from Australian Actress to One of Hollywood's Most Lucrative Stars

Margot Robbie’s rise to global fame did not begin in Hollywood. It started in a small Australian town and grew through determination, unexpected opportunities, and memorable performances. Today, the three-time Oscar nominee stands among the industry’s most recognizable and bankable stars.

Margot Robbie is now one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. In her mid-30s, her career has taken her from humble beginnings in Australia to some of the industry’s most successful films.

Robbie grew up in the small town of Dalby, Queensland. From that starting point, breaking into the Australian film industry, and eventually Hollywood, seemed highly unlikely. Still, she persevered and continued pursuing acting opportunities.

Her early break came thanks to Australian filmmaker and acting coach Aash Aaron. He cast Robbie in the psychological thriller "ICU," a film about teenagers who accidentally witness a serial killer in the act. When the female lead dropped out of the role because of school commitments, Robbie stepped in.

Aaron had already cast her in the feature film "Vigilante," which was released before "ICU." These projects gave Robbie her first experiences working on professional film sets.

Early Fame on "Neighbours"

In 2008, the same year "Vigilante" was released, Robbie landed a role on the popular soap opera "Neighbours." She was originally written as a guest character. However, her performance stood out enough that she remained on the show for three years.

The role helped establish her as a rising talent in Australian television. It also provided the experience she needed before moving on to international productions.

Breaking Through in Hollywood

Robbie’s Hollywood breakthrough came in 2013. That year she appeared in Richard Curtis’ romantic drama "About Time."

Soon after, she starred in Martin Scorsese’s "The Wolf of Wall Street." The film marked her first American film role and became a defining moment in her career. Her performance made a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. From that point forward, Robbie’s career accelerated.

More than a decade after leaving Australia for Hollywood, Robbie has appeared in a wide range of roles. She has taken on dramatic, comedic, and action-heavy performances that have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Her recent projects include "Barbie" and "Wuthering Heights," both global productions that highlight her continued presence at the top of the industry.

Robbie is also a three-time Oscar nominee. She is known for committing fully to her roles and often undergoes extensive preparation. She performs many of her own stunts, learned to skate for "I, Tonya," and has completed aerial work for other projects.

Take a look at some of Robbie's best work since entering Hollywood:

6. "Suicide Squad" (2016) and "The Suicide Squad" (2021)

Not every actor can bring a comic book character to life in a way that resonates with audiences. A few performances have reached iconic status, including Heath Ledger as the Joker and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man.

Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn belongs on that list. Her version of the character is energetic, unpredictable, and humorous. Robbie trained extensively for the role and performed many of the stunts herself. Over time, the character became closely associated with her performance.

5. "Wuthering Heights" (2026)

Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw in the film adaptation of the classic novel "Wuthering Heights," where she stars opposite Jacob Elordi, who plays Heathcliff.

The film presents a dark and intense interpretation of the famous romance. The obsession and constant push-and-pull between the characters is elevated by Robbie’s performance, which highlights her dramatic range and ability to portray complex emotional characters.

4. "Babylon" (2022)

Damien Chazelle’s fifth feature film, "Babylon," featured a cast that included Brad Pitt, Jean Smart, and Tobey Maguire. Robbie played Nellie LaRoy, a rising Hollywood star known for her love of partying. The story takes place during the 1920s, a time when the film industry was transitioning from silent films to talkies.

Nellie struggles to adapt to these changes, and her challenges ultimately lead to a meltdown at a party that damages her career. Although the film received poor reviews overall, Robbie’s performance received praise, and the actress ultimately hoped that in the future, generations would look back at the film and appreciate more than this generation did.

3. "Barbie" (2023)

In 2023, Robbie stepped into the role of the iconic doll in "Barbie." In the film, Barbie travels to the real world and begins to understand the challenges women face. She also confronts the unrealistic expectations placed on women to appear perfect.

Robbie balanced humor and emotion in the role. She underwent extensive training to achieve a Barbie-like physique and took dance lessons for the film’s musical sequences.

The film became a major success at the box office, earning more than $1.4 billion worldwide and becoming Warner Bros.’ top-grossing film.

2. "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)

It was "The Wolf of Wall Street" that introduced Robbie to a global audience. The film is based on disgraced stockbroker Jordan Belfort’s memoir. Robbie played Naomi, the love interest of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jordan.

During her audition, Robbie surprised DiCaprio by slapping him across the face. She later feared the moment might either damage her chances or help her stand out. It ultimately helped her land the role.

Rather than simply serving as arm candy for the main character, Robbie used the role to showcase her confidence and acting ability.

1. "I, Tonya" (2017)

"I, Tonya" remains one of Robbie’s most acclaimed performances. She starred as Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding and also served as a producer on the film. Harding famously landed the rare triple Axel during her competitive career.

Although CGI recreated the move on screen, Robbie trained for five months to skate convincingly. She continued practicing even the day before marrying her husband, Tom Ackerley.

The film also explores the controversy surrounding the attack on Harding’s rival, Nancy Kerrigan, whose knee was injured at the 1991 World Championships. Harding later pleaded guilty and was banned from skating for life. The story also portrays the alleged physical abuse Harding experienced from her mother and ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly.

Robbie improvised several moments in the film, including a scene where she silently looks at herself crying in a mirror.

Her performance earned her first Academy Award nomination in 2018. Her co-star Allison Janney won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

From a small town in Queensland to the center of Hollywood, Margot Robbie’s career has been built on preparation, risk-taking, and memorable performances. More than a decade after her breakthrough, she continues to prove why she remains one of the industry’s most valuable stars.